Question

Which would most likely be graphed using a continuous graph? Check all that apply.

total cost, c, of buying b cans of beans
total cost, c, of buying g pounds of broccoli
speed of a car, s, as it accelerates over time, t
number of stamps, s, needed to mail p postcards
total distance, d, that has been driven over time, t
decrease in outside temperature, F, one evening over time, t

Answer 1

Continuous:
- total cost c of buying g pounds of broccoli (weight can vary continuously)
- speed s of a car as it accelerates over time t (speed varies continuously with time)
- total distance d driven over time t (distance changes continuously with time)
- decrease in outside temperature F one evening over time t (temperature changes continuously)

Not continuous:
- total cost c of buying b cans of beans (b is a discrete count)
- number of stamps s needed to mail p postcards (stamps and postcards are counted in whole numbers)